Consolidation of subterranean formations

Patent · Tue May 21 04:00:00 EDT 1968

OSTI ID:6331286

Nahin, P G; Maly, G P

This is a process of treating unconsolidated earth masses which contain high proportions of clayey materials with hardenable liquid resin to form a consolidated structure having high strength and retaining a substantial degree of porosity and permeability. Liquid resin is injected into the formation and then hardened by the action of a curing agent or catalyst otherwise adsorbable by the clays. Prior to injection of the resin, the clayey materials are rendered inert to the adsorbable catalysts by first treating the formation with a liquid solution of a relatively long chain polyhydroxy compound in sufficient quantity to satisfy the adsorption capacity of the clay. The polyhydroxy compound is adsorbed on the surfaces of the clay, and the catalyst in the resin-catalyst mixture remains in solution with the resin and is available for catalysis of the polymerization reaction. In some instances, the earth formation in the consolidation zone is first treated with successive solvent injections to remove connate oil and water. (16 claims)

• Assignee: Union Oil Co.
• Patent Number(s): US 3384173
• OSTI ID: 6331286
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
ADSORPTION
CATALYSTS
CLAYS
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
MINERALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
PERMEABILITY
PETROCHEMICALS
PETROLEUM
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
POLYMERS
RESERVOIR ROCK
RESINS
SAND CONSOLIDATION
SEPARATION EQUIPMENT
SORPTION
STABILIZATION